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Cordish has teamed up with Woodbine Entertainment to transform 80 hectares of underused land at the Etobicoke racetrack into a centre with retail, restaurants, clubs, a hotel and eventually homes.

Woodbine Entertainment is also interested in snatching the casino prize dangled by the provincial government, which wants to build a new complex in the Toronto area.

‘All we’re trying to do as a city is to move the project forward. My area is anxiously awaiting it’

With more than six million visitors a year and 3,000 slots machines, Woodbine bills itself as the “logical” place for a full-fledged casino. It may have some stiff competition from Caesars Entertainment and MGM Resorts International, which have already expressed interest in building a sprawling complex that includes shopping, shows and conference space.

Alan Feldman, senior vice-president of public affairs for MGM, made it clear its interest is downtown, near the water.

Meanwhile, Councillor Janet Davis is asking city staff to report back on the status of Woodbine Live!, the development frequently touted by Mayor Rob Ford during the last election as proof he can land big private-sector deals.

In 2010, Cordish told a newspaper it planned to break ground that fall.

“We’re working on a daily basis, the Mayor, myself, Cordish and Woodbine, every day we’re pushing this forward,” said Councillor Doug Ford, whose Etobicoke North ward includes the racetrack. “Obviously there’s a hold-up, and I’m not going to get into details. If they want to get into details, they can. All we’re trying to do as a city is to move the project forward. My area is anxiously awaiting it.”

Cordish did not respond to questions about the delay, but issued a statement that said: “Woodbine Live! is in an excellent position to commence construction shortly with zoning, public incentives in the form of a TIEG, private financing, as well as both anchor and inline tenants committed. The Cordish Companies has an unparalleled record of developing first class casino/entertainment complexes, and Toronto, as one of the great cities in the world, lends itself to this kind of development.”